Program Contact:  Jennifer Sacco   203-582-8972

Political science is profoundly relevant in fields beyond government, such as medicine, business, technology, economics and law. This minor examines the history, theory and science behind how governments operate and how they relate to the people they serve. In your classes, you will discuss politics in local, national and international contexts and explore the ways in which politics influences society.

You will have the flexibility to design a program based on your interests and that complements your major. You can choose from courses that focus on international relations, political communication, public opinion, political movements, constitutional principles, colonialism and presidential politics, to name a few. You are also free to experience the political arena firsthand through an internship with the Connecticut Legislature in Hartford or a local campaign. Or, you can learn about political journalism by working at a media outlet. Whatever your career ambitions, a basic foundation in political science will be an effective launching pad.

A minor in political science is awarded upon completion of 18 credits in political science with a grade of C or better. At least 6 credits must be earned at the 300 level or above. No more than 3 credits of internship in political science (PO 295 or PO 395) may count toward completion of the minor.

Political Science Minor Curriculum

A minor in political science is awarded upon completion of 18 credits in political science with a grade of C or better. At least 6 credits must be earned at the 300 level or above. No more than 3 credits of internship in political science (PO 295 or PO 395) may count toward completion of the minor.

Possible courses include:
PO 101Issues in Politics3
PO 131Introduction to American Government and Politics3
PO 200Special Topics3
PO 205Public Policy and Administration3
PO 206Ethics and Public Policy3
PO 208Career Readiness in Washington DC3
PO 209Environmental Politics and Policy3
PO 211Introduction to International Relations3
PO 215Political Theory3
PO 216American Political Thought3
PO 219Feminist Political Thought3
PO 221Introduction to Latin America3
PO 225American Political Movements3
PO 227The Politics of Intimacy3
PO 230Comparative Government3
PO 231Elections and Political Parties (SL: Service Learning)3
PO 242Ancient Philosophy3
PO 245Polictics of Global Capitalism3
PO 247Actors and Processes in U.S. Foreign Policy3
PO 280Congress and the President3
PO 295Internship in Political Science1-3
PO 297Simulating International Organizations1
PO 299Independent Study in Political Science1-3
PO 300Special Topics3
PO 302The Global Civic Dilemma4
PO 303Political Inquiry3
PO 307Introduction to Nonprofit Mana3
PO 309Public Diplomacy3
PO 311Topics in International Relations3
PO 312Philosophy of War and Peace3
PO 313Development, Globalization and Colonialism3
PO 315Democratic Theory and Practice3
PO 317International Law3
PO 319International Interventions3
PO 325Political Psychology and Public Opinion3
PO 326Polling and Opinion a Quinnipiac Signature Seminar3
PO 331Topics in Comparative Government3
PO 332European Politics3
PO 333Middle Eastern History and Politics3
PO 334Politics and Governance in Africa3
PO 335Politics of Race and Ethnicity3
PO 336Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy3
PO 337Human Rights: Theory and Practice3
PO 342Comparative Constitutional Law3
PO 349Political Communication3
PO 353American Constitutional Law3
PO 354Civil Rights and Civil Liberties3
PO 360Topics in American Politics3
PO 362Presidential Election Campaigns (SL: Service Learning)3
PO 365Inside Washington, D.C.3
PO 370State and Local Government3
PO 387Women and Public Policy3
PO 390Urban Public Policy3
PO 395Advanced Internship1-9
PO 399Independent Study in Political Science1-10
PO 408Senior Seminar3